Interspecific tree named: &#39;Flavor Blast&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 
     1. Vigorous, upright tree growth. 
     2. Heavy and regular bearer of fruit. 
     3. Fruit with very firm flesh. 
     4. Fruit with excellent eating quality. 
     5. Fruit with an average Brix of 26° and a good balance between acid and sugar. 
     6. Fruit with good handling and shipping quality.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Interspecific Prunus sp.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘FLAVOR BLAST’

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

1. Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It wasagainst this background of our activities that the present variety ofinterspecific tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

2. Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of cherries, plums and interspecifics,which are known to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Minnie Royal’ Cherry (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 12,942), the proprietary (non-patented) interspecificseedlings ‘319LU21’, ‘178LM220’, ‘Honey Punch Interspecific (U.S. PlantPat. No. 19,596), the proprietary (non-patented) plum ‘37ED370’ and our(non-patented) proprietary cherry ‘5GK125’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct interspecific tree originated by us from crossesbetween the following species [(Prunus salicina×Prunus avium)×Prunusavium]. The present variety was selected as an open pollinated seedlingfrom seed of our proprietary interspecific ‘319LU21’ (non-patented). Theseed parent originated as a first generation cross between ourproprietary interspecific ‘178LM220’ and ‘Minnie Royal’ Cherry (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 12,942). The interspecific seedling ‘178LM220’(non-patented) originated as a cross between our proprietary plumseedling ‘37ED370’ (non-patented) and our proprietary cherry seedling‘5GK125’ (non-patented). We grew a large number of these seedlings andunder close and careful observation the present seedling exhibiteddesirable fruit and tree characteristics and was selected in 2006 foradditional asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of interspecifictree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), asperformed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree andall characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established andtransmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of interspecific tree whichincludes [(Plum×Cherry) ×Cherry] in its parentage is of large size,vigorous upright growth and a productive and regular bearer of mediumsize fruit with very firm flesh and excellent eating quality. The fruitis further characterized by holding firm on the tree 2 weeks aftermaturity (shipping ripe), having high Brix and good storage and shippingquality. In comparison to its immediate parent (319LU21), the fruit ofthe new interspecific variety has firmer flesh, skin color is red andyellow compared to solid red and is approximately 24 days later inmaturity. In comparison to the commercial interspecific variety ‘HoneyPunch’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,596) the fruit of the new variety hasbright red skin compared to dark red, yellow flesh compared to red fleshand is approximately 12 days later in maturity.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecific variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) from a 6 year old tree and the colors are as nearly trueas is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofinterspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based onobservations of 6 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., withcolor in accordance with Munsell Book of Color:

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and width            for economical harvesting of fruit. Varies with different            cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, tree growth of approximately 1.5 to 2            meters the first growing season. Varies with cultural            practices, soil type, fertility and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 35°,            increase with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit            desirable for market size.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 4 consecutive years. No            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self sterile, pollinator required.        -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to            increase sunlight and air movement to center of tree to            enhance fruit color and health of fruit spurs.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree growing in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement is approximately 700 hours at or below            45° F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average circumference 61.5 cm at 20.3            cm above ground level on a 6 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, becomes rougher with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 5/4 to 7.5Y 4/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 11.9 cm at 1.2 meters            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 35°, increase with            heavy crop load.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            medium rough, roughness increase with age.        -   Lenticels.—Size — medium. Average number 83 in a 25.8 sq cm            area. Average length 2.5 mm. Average width 0.9 mm. Color            varies from 7.5YR 7/8 to 7.5YR 6/10.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 5/8. Old growth            varies from 7.5YR 2/4 to 10YR 2/2, varies with age of            growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 96.5 mm. Average width 53.3 mm.        -   Form.—Oblanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight            indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface            relatively smooth except for small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces            glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Average length 11.4 mm. Average width 1.9 mm.            Longitudinally grooved. Pubescence present. Color varies            from 5GY 6/6 to 7.5R 3/4 where exposed to the sun.        -   Glands.—Type — globose. Size — small. Average length 0.7 mm.            Average diameter 0.4 mm. Number varies 1 to 3, average            number 2. Located primarily on the lower portion of the leaf            blade and on the upper portion of the petiole. Color 2.5GY            7/6.        -   Stipules.—Average number 2. Average length 5.3 mm. Edges —            serrate. Color varies from 5GY 6/6 with 7.5R 3/4 on edges.        -   Color.—Upper surface 5GY 3/4 to 5GY 2/2. Lower surface 7.5GY            4/4 to 5GY Midvein color varies from 5GY 7/6 to 5GY 6/6.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 8.8 mm. Average            diameter 4.5 mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Form.—Conical, becomes elongated just before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 4.9 mm. Average width 0.7 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 7/8 to 2.5GY 6/8.        -   Color.—N 9.5/(white).        -   Number of buds per spur: Average number 10, varies from 9            to 13. Varies with age of spur.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 27, 2011. Date of            Petal Fall Mar. 7, 2011, varies with climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Medium. Average height 11.6mm. Average diameter 19.4            mm.        -   Petals.—Size — medium. Number — normally 5, alternately            arranged to sepals. Average length 9.3 mm. Average width            7.8 mm. Form — globose, slightly narrows at point of            attachment. Margin — sinuate. Color — N 9.5/(white). Both            surfaces glabrous.        -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —            small to medium. Average length 3.1 mm. Average width            2.7 mm. Form — triangular, apex rounded. Margin — entire.            Color — upper surface varies from 5GY 6/8 to 2.5GY 6/8.            Lower surface varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5R 3/8. Both upper            and lower surfaces glabrous.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 39. Average filament            length 8.6 mm. Filament color N 9.5/(white). Anther color            varies from 2.5Y 5/8 to 10YR 4/6.        -   Pollen.—Self sterile, pollinator required. Color varies from            2.5Y 7/12 to 7.5Y 7/10.        -   Pistil.—Normally one. Surface — glabrous. Average length            8.3 mm. Stigma height approximately 2.1 mm below anthers.            Color varies from 5Y 8/10 to 10Y 7/8.        -   Fragrance.—Heavy aroma.        -   Color.—N 9.5/(white).        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Average number 2, varies from            1 to 3.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 5.8 mm. Average width 0.9 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 2.5GY 7/8. Surface — glabrous.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.        -   Date of first picking.—Aug. 23, 2010.        -   Date of last picking.—Aug. 31, 2010, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Medium. Average diameter axially 60.3 mm. Average            transversely in suture plane 59.4 mm. Average weight 144.8            grams, average weight varies slightly with fertility of the            soil, amount of thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose to slightly elongated.        -   Suture.—Nearly smooth to slightly lipped, extends from base            to apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Very slightly lipped.        -   Apex.—Slightly retuse.        -   Base.—Varies from flat to slightly retuse.        -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in the suture            plane. Average depth 7.1 mm. Average diameter 2.7 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 14.2 mm. Average            diameter 2.5 mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 6/4 to 10YR 4/4.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Crisp, meaty.        -   Fibers.—Few, small and tender.        -   Firmness.—Very firm, comparable to commercial varieties.        -   Aroma.—Moderate.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Excellent.        -   Flavor.—Very sweet, a good balance between acid and sugar.        -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.        -   Brix.—Average Brix 26.0°, varies slightly with amount of            fruit per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 8/6 to 2.5Y 8/10. Pit cavity varies            from 7.5YR 5/8 to 10YR 6/8.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Bloom.—Moderate amount, covers entire skin surface.        -   Tendency to crack.—Very slight with rain, varies with fruit            maturity.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 2.5Y 8/8 to 10YR 7/8.            Partially overspread with 7.5R 3/8 to 10R 2/6.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—Undetected.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone.        -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 28.2 mm. Average width            19.0 mm. Average thickness 8.8 mm.        -   Form.—Obovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Slightly pointed. Average length 0.7 mm.        -   Surface.—Slightly pitted throughout.        -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from the suture            plane.        -   Ridges.—A small narrow ridge on each side of suture            extending from base to apex.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 5/6 to 7.5YR 4/6 when dry.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 16.5 mm. Average width 9.2 mm.            Average depth 4.6 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.        -   Skin color.—7.5YR 4/6.-   Use: Dessert. Market — local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage 3 weeks at 38° to    42° F. without shriveling, internal breakdown of flesh or    appreciable loss of eating quality.-   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or bruising    during picking, packing or shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety observed during    indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal fungus, bacterial,    virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and eliminated from our    breeding program.

The present new variety of interspecific tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, substantially asillustrated and described.